CHAPTER 61

Lycus’s POV

“That James is a suspect,” Knox said, his voice low and steady.

“Damien’s Beta,” I repeated, disbelief simmering beneath the surface.

Of all people, James being the prime suspect didn’t sit right with me.

Knox nodded. “That’s right. We’ve been getting a lot of intel ever since you announced the reward for anyone with useful information.” He leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping against the table. “And one particular source stood out.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What did they say?”

Knox’s expression darkened. “They claim they saw James stepping out of the party and then returning shortly before someone alerted the crowd about the murder. Right within the time frame of the attack.”

I frowned, the pieces not quite fitting together. “And you believe them?” He smirked. “I didn’t at first. But I checked the security cameras.” He paused, watching my reaction. “And it confirmed everything. James left the building. Then he came back a few minutes before the body was discovered.”

I clenched my jaw. “That’s not Damien’s way of doing things.” Knox shrugged. “Maybe not. But if someone wanted to pin the blame on James or stir trouble between you and Damien, this would be a good way to do it.”

It still didn’t make sense. Damien was many things — ruthless, manipulative — but careless? No. If he wanted someone dead, he wouldn’t let it trace back to him. And using his Beta, the second most visible figure in his pack? That was reckless.

But I couldn’t ignore the facts. Not yet.

“Send some people to investigate James,” I ordered. “Quietly. I don’t want Damien knowing we’re looking into him. And keep digging for more leads. If someone’s trying to manipulate this, I want to know who.”

Knox nodded, satisfaction flickering in his eyes. “Already ahead of you.”

There was a brief pause before his grin returned, the tension easing ever so slightly. “But you’re still not getting off that easy. You haven’t told me what happened with Ariana.”

I exhaled sharply, though a part of me wasn’t surprised. Knox never let things go.

“Everything’s been resolved,” I said simply. “She forgave me.” His grin widened. “So you finally told her?”

I nodded. “I told her everything. And… she understood.”

Knox’s expression softened, genuine happiness flickering across his face. “Good for you. You didn’t give up on her. Not many would’ve fought that hard.”

“She’s worth it.” The words came easily, because they were the truth. Knox leaned back, still smiling. “And the curse?”

“It’ll be revoked sooner or later,” I replied. “Just like Indie said.”

He nodded, but there was a knowing gleam in his eyes. “You believe that?”

“I have to.” I held his gaze, the certainty settling deeper within me.

“Because I’m not letting anything keep me from Ariana. Not Damien. Not a curse. Nothing.”

Knox grinned. “That’s the Lycus I know.”

The conversation with Knox shifted to other matters — pack updates, trade discussions, and lingering tensions with neighboring territories.

But even as we talked, a part of me remained on edge. The lead about James still lingered in the back of my mind, gnawing at my thoughts.

Just as Knox was about to say something else, the heavy doors of the dining hall burst open with a loud thud.

A warrior rushed in, his face pale and his chest heaving. “Alpha Lycus!” Both Knox and I immediately stood, the air thickening with tension.

“What is it?” I demanded.

“There’s an attack,” the warrior gasped, his voice strained. “At the entrance of our territory.”

Knox and I exchanged a sharp glance, no further words needed. Without hesitation, we moved, our strides quick and purposeful as we followed the warrior. The sound of our boots echoed through the halls as we made our way outside.

By the time we reached the entrance, the air was thick with the metallic scent of blood. The scene was chaotic — scattered bodies of rogues littered the ground, some writhing in pain while others lay motionless.

My warriors were already restraining the few survivors, their fierce expressions reflecting the rage of defending their territory.

But then my gaze shifted.

Amidst the aftermath, I spotted a woman. She was crouched against a tree, her body trembling. Blood stained her dress, and a deep gash marred her left leg. Her dark hair clung to her face, tangled and damp.

The fear in her eyes was undeniable,

She was beautiful.

The thought struck me before I could push it away. But I didn’t linger on it. She needed help.

I moved swiftly, my instincts taking over. “Get those rogues secured!” I barked to my warriors before approaching the woman.

Her gaze locked onto mine, wide and uncertain.

“Are you alright?” I asked, my voice firm but not unkind.

She nodded, though the pain etched into her features was impossible to miss. “I… I’m sorry,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I didn’t mean to bring trouble. They—they started chasing me. I ran, but they followed.”

“Who are you?”

“A traveler,” she said quickly. “I was only passing through when they saw me. I tried to lose them, but they wouldn’t stop.” Her eyes lowered, guilt shadowing her face. “I thought… if I reached your territory, I’d be safe. I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

I studied her for a moment, my gaze lingering on the blood trickling from the wound on her leg. Whatever her story was, she had clearly been through hell.

“You’re hurt,” I noted.

“It’s nothing,” she murmured, though the wince that followed betrayed her words.

“It’s not nothing,” I corrected firmly. “That gash needs to be treated.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but I was already crouching down to get a better look. The wound was deep, the torn flesh still fresh. She wouldn’t make it far without proper care.

“Come on,” I said, standing back up. “We’ll treat you here.”

Her eyes flickered with gratitude, but before I could offer her further help, she did something unexpected. She lifted her arms slightly, a silent gesture.

“You’ll need to carry me,” she said softly.

For a moment, I hesitated. There was something about the request — about the way her voice lingered, almost teasing. But she was injured. I couldn’t refuse.

Without a word, I bent down, carefully slipping one arm beneath her legs and the other around her back. She leaned into me, her body trembling slightly. As I straightened, a strange sensation washed over me. It wasn’t discomfort, but… something else.

Something unfamiliar.

Her scent, though tainted with the metallic tang of blood, carried a subtle sweetness beneath it. It stirred something within me, though I quickly shoved the thought away.

“What’s your name?” I asked, my voice steady as I carried her toward the pack house.

She tilted her head up to meet my gaze, her green eyes gleaming with an unreadable emotion.

“Aneles,” she said softly.